Performing E. Séjourné’s Concerto for Marimba and Strings, marimbist Ji Su Jung won the 43rd annual Houston Symphony Ima Hogg Competition, which earned her a gold medal, a $25,000 prize and a solo performance at Jones Hall with the Houston Symphony at the Donor and Subscriber Appreciation Concert on Wednesday, July 11 at 7:30 p.m. under the direction of Associate Conductor Robert Franz.

The Grace Woodson Memorial Award was presented to Jung on Saturday, June 2, in Stude Hall at Rice University’s Shepherd School of Music by Honorary Chair, John Neighbors. In addition to the cash prize and solo performance with the Houston Symphony, Jung will participate in a week-long Education and Community Engagement Residency that will provide her with essential training to help her succeed in their field and contribute to the communities in which she lives and works.

Additionally, Jung was the recipient of The Hermann Shoss Audience Choice Award, an award casted by members of the audience. Jung is currently a graduate student at the Yale School of Music and is an active soloist and chamber musician. She has performed in prestigious halls and festivals around the country, including the Kennedy Center and Yellow Barn Chamber Music Festival. Through her endorsement with Vic Firth mallet and drumstick company, she made numerous performance videos that have garnered a quarter of a million views on their website.